Ramsagar_National_Park

Ramsagar

History

Maharaja Ramnath (1722-1763) was one of the most powerful kings of Dinajpur, Bangladesh and his remnants are still seen scattered throughout the city to this day. Ramsagar is one of the most prominent historical landmarks that was created under Maharaja Ramnath’s reign. Maharaja Ramnath was admired by his people for his honesty and commitment to improving the land he ruled. ^[1] He was also known for being a brave warrior and a great administrator. During his reign he dedicated a vast amount of time rebuilding the estate, for example the construction of Rajbari and Kantanagar Temple, which were completed under his rule. ^[2]

In the 1750s when people in the surrounding villages of his kingdom did not have safe drinking water, Maharaja Ramnath, being the beloved king he was, wanted to find a way to solve the water crisis. ^[3] Between the years of 1750 and 1755 the Ramasagar lake was excavated as a solution to the problem. ^[4] That is how the biggest man-made lake in Bangladesh came to be built in Dinajpur. It took about 1.5 million labourers to dig up the lake that still stands today as a major tourist destination in the country. ^[5]

Present Day

The literal translation of Ramsagar is Ram’s lake. Ram is short form of king Maharaja Ramnath’s name and sagar means lake in Bengali. Aside from being the largest man-made lake in Bangladesh, Ramsagar is also the most well-known out of Dinajpur’s seven historical lakes. ^[6]

Dinajpur district is located in northern part of Bangladesh. ^[7] Ramsagar is located in Tejpur village, just eight kilometer south of main Dinajpur town which makes it a convenient location for people to access. ^[8]

Ramsagar is a popular destination for local people and it attracts many others from all over the country as well. Currently Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation maintains the Ramasagar National Park where Ramsagar is located. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation manages the tourist facilities, picnic spots, playground and more. ^[9] Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation also looks after rest-rooms, refreshment kiosks and playgrounds for children. There are also some activities for visitors to get involved with that include fishing, boating and hiking. ^[10]

The 60 square km area of Ramsagar National Park has been maintained by the Forest Department of Bangladesh as well. Visitors can now see various types of fruit trees like mangoes and lychee’s that have become a mini forest inside the park. ^[11]

The lake is also home to many types of fish and even some fresh water crocodiles. ^[12] Animals like deer, wild boar, blue bull, sloth bear and hyena can be seen in the forested areas of the park. There are also various kinds of birds such as white-breasted water hen, jacanas, moorhen, river tern, sand piper, ringed plover and grey and purple herons. ^[13]

Ramsagar National Park has a range of other sights to see such as flora and fauna but the main attraction is the lake itself. The lake was named to honour Maharaja Ramnath and it still continues to remind people of his greatness today.

Works Cited